Dear Cllr. Theobald,

Something must be done! As a Clifton, Montpelier and Powis conservation area resident, 5′ 1″ in height, I find it most difficult to use these communal bins.

The handles are stiff, dirty and an obvious germ trap. You are aware that the lids are thrown open and stay that way (not done by short people, as we can’t achieve enough force at such a low angle to enable us to throw he lids all the way open!) and yet you insist that ‘residents’ found in favour of this new, more expensive type.  Difficult to believe.  It’s a huge design fault.  A better option would have been to have had sliding access lids with handles at the bottom of the lid.

I have yet to see one of the older style bins left open, except when over-full; the lids are too heavy and yet you claim that this isn’t so.  Today, the first 6 new-style bins I saw were all open.  Retro-fitting, presumably, does not come free – who’s paying for it?

The bin situated in Victoria Place is now re-sited, as it was proven that the collection vehicle couldn’t make the narrow turn.  It’s been dumped, presumably without consultation, outside a house in Montpelier Street!

I’ve lost count of the number of people I’ve seen leaving their garden waste in these bins, instead of recycling, and fly tippers have come out in force and seem particularly fond of Spring Street. How many more times must we tell you and others in office that we do not want and do not need these bins in our conservation area? How much longer is it to be before you actually do something that the residents want?  Yes, we have conducted our own surveys.

And, finally, would you have faith in the Council’s assisted service?

Christine Stubbs, via email

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